Glenstone Museum

Growing up in a suburb of Washington D.C., my family and I would
always head into the city to visit museums. Little did I know, barely a 10
minute drive from my childhood home stands The
Glenstone. The name "Glenstone" is derived from Glen Road, where the
property line begins and after the stone native to the area. The Glenstone was
opened by couple Mitchell and
Emily Rales whose own home stands on the 230 acre property. Both passionate
art collectors, they wanted a place to bring art, architecture, and nature
together and thoughtfully display their collection of post- World War II art. A
trip to Glenstone is an experience into understanding art of the 20th
and 21st centuries.

Home of the Glenstone Founders

In
2006 the first Glenstone Gallery opened its doors, designed by Gwathmey Seigel & Associates
Architects. The original gallery as well as all the architecture on the
property is modern and minimal in design to not take away from the incredible
nature it stands amid. Neutral tones are used throughout with wooden details and
plenty of windows with views to nature.

Glenstone Gallery

Detail of gallery floor

The
Pavilions opened this October, offering an extra 50,000 square feet of exhibition
space for solo-artists and changing exhibitions. Designed by Thomas Phifer, natural light is the
main source of light for these 11 rooms. Large windows and clerestories make
for a perfect place to exhibit artwork. The rooms are connected by a glass passageway
with views to a stunning water court filled with water lilies and other plants.

Pavilions and water court

Large windows in glass passageway

Stairs with view of clerestories

Sculpture in passageway

Small library with amazing view

The
exhibits on display include paintings, indoor and outdoor sculptures, and multisensory
installations. Minimal signage throughout the museum allows the viewer to
interpret the artwork in their own way. Each room has knowledgeable guides dressed
in all gray uniforms, so they are easily identifiable and blend in with the environment.
The guides are all artists and creatives themselves and are happy to provide
more information or to have an artistic discussion.

Pavilion art gallery with clerestories

Room 9 Artwork by Lygia Pape

With
a fantastic permanent collection, rotating new exhibits and unbeatable backdrop,
Glenstone is a great museum to visit year-round. I look forward to visiting again
in the winter or spring to see how the change of seasons will transform the
remarkable landscape and architecture. I highly recommend a visit if you are
ever in the D.C. area.